Most powerful Country in Europe in History

posted on May 8th, 2011, 6:51 pm

The concept of shorthand is older than the English language, and isn't a mistake if it's consitently and intentionally written that way.

posted on May 8th, 2011, 6:52 pm

So helping others, when you can do something they can't, is arrogant?

dont pretend like you're the only person who can spell, i can, i choose not to, cos im not bothered. you're not trying to help, you're being rude and arrogant.

this is your viewpoint, these are your values. dont be so arrogant as to believe your values are the only values, have u seen here that nobody is agreeing with you? are we all idiots? of course not, you have different values from the rest of us. i dont care what you (or i) were taught in school, english changes fast, curricula change slowly.

what you call "mistakes" is just something YOU dont like. english is a language decided by those who speak it, not by books. maths is a subject where a mistake is black or white, 2+2 is always 4, people cant change that. but language can change, so deal with it. and if u cant accept it, at least shut up and dont try impose your views.

posted on May 8th, 2011, 6:54 pm

You must be joking.

English class is not the same as religious education. And to be honest, I was never taught in school that Jesus was the son of god. We had lessons called religious education where we learned about the world's religions and about moral and ethical issues, but we were not indoctrinated in any way.

No, I'm not joking...

No, it's not the same thing, but that was just an example. And fair enough, different schools teach in different ways, I went to a primary school that did teach that Jesus was the son of god.

Fact is, you pick up more language from experiencing it in the world than you ever do in a classroom - slang, regional variations (such as the difference in British 'colour' and American 'color' that you dismissed earlier), these things have existed for far longer than text speech, millions of people use them, and yet they're essentially the same general type of thing, English isn't as cut-and-dry as the formal stuff you learn in class. You allow for contractions like 'don't', and 'I'm' in casual speech/writing, so why such a problem with a further extension of those?

posted on May 8th, 2011, 6:55 pm

The concept of shorthand is older than the English language, and isn't a mistake if it's consitently and intentionally written that way.

Text speak was a shorthand useful for texting on a cell phone with an awkward interface, not for having a conversation with someone where you type with a full-layout keyboard. And text speak was not my only criticism.

I actually view it as an insult when someone responds to me on a forum without putting in some effort, which is exactly what happened today when a person felt they could pick apart my argument about geopolitical issues when they can't even get simpler things right.

posted on May 8th, 2011, 6:56 pm

Coming into this new conversation a bit late, I have but one question:

What's a "scouse?"  :sweatdrop:

Anyway, I agree that people choose to focus on spelling, or choose not to.  I also agree that sometimes, people do have an excuse to use abbreviated speech, but rarely online.  The only reason I could justify it online, other than just preference would be if someone is posting on the forum through their smart phone with a limited text package.  Other than that, there is no excuse.  

And by the way, has anyone ever heard of this fancy new thing called spell check?  My browser uses it automatically so just in case I mis-type(as I am not the best typer) it makes it obvious so I can fix it. Not saying I don't make mistakes(because I do alot), but I do at least try.  

Also, I of all people know that just because something is taught in school, it doesn't make it right, however I think Math and Language classes are exceptions.  Sure, its possible you were taught incorrectly, but it is highly unlikely.

And for the record, I am a native speaker and I have trouble understanding text speech.

posted on May 8th, 2011, 7:02 pm

Fact is, you pick up more language from experiencing it in the world than you ever do in a classroom - slang, regional variations (such as the difference in British 'colour' and American 'color' that you dismissed earlier), these things have existed for far longer than text speech, millions of people use them, and yet they're essentially the same general type of thing, English isn't as cut-and-dry as the formal stuff you learn in class. You allow for contractions like 'don't', and 'I'm' in casual speech/writing, so why such a problem with a further extension of those?

I did not dismiss regional variations. Regional variations are legitimate. Perhaps you'd like to point out in what way the various spelling errors in people's posts are "regional variations" and therefore acceptable. I mean really, do you actually think that my acknowledgment of regional differences negates my argument?

Coming into this new conversation a bit late, I have but one question:

What's a "scouse?"  :sweatdrop:

A scouse person is a person from Liverpool in the North-West of England, UK.  I was born and bred there, but I don't have a lot in common with my fellow scousers, unfortunately (or fortunately).

posted on May 8th, 2011, 7:13 pm

Ah, so it could it could be similar to the American use of the word Hick.(which I"m pretty sure is an american term)    People in America refereed to as Hick usually have a thick southern accent, and are not known for their good grammar.   It is a regional thing, but is usually not an incredibly nice title, so maybe it isn't quite the same?

posted on May 8th, 2011, 7:19 pm

Yep it's quite similar I suppose. Scousers are probably among the least popular British peoples because we have a funny accent 

We're probably not the most educated people either, although I say this with some measure of affection. I'm nearly at the end of a PhD but I don't feel better than anyone, in fact many people in the scientific establishment are stuffy and elitist and care only about citiations. I want to work in Liverpool forever.

posted on May 8th, 2011, 7:24 pm

Right only just the replies to this thread and in my defence
1) I am dyslexic
2) I am quite intelligent
3) I do work on my spelling
4) text speak or shorthand is perfectly acceptable in an informal medium which I think is perfectly acceptable to say it is here just as long as people can understand what is written
5) There are various types and degrees of dyslexia and just because someone can cope fully well with it it does not mean every one can
6) I am not illiterate in the slightest
7) Being Scouse has nothing to do with spelling or intellect
I've got far more important issues to worry about than making sure that my spelling and grammar is perfect every time I write.

[Anonymous]

posted on May 8th, 2011, 7:28 pm

Last edited by Anonymous on May 8th, 2011, 7:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Ah, so it is very similar.  I myself am from what most people consider the Hick capital(Texas ) So I do not say these things without affection either.

Thankfully I managed to escape without the super thick accent, and therefore escaping the intellectual stereotype.  :D

Though, my un-spellcheck filtered spelling is greatly reflective of my heritage I think.

Haha, don't worry Blade, I certainly think you are more intelligent than half the people on this forum. Though, I have to admit I sometimes have a hard time understanding text speech.

posted on May 8th, 2011, 7:29 pm

Yep it's quite similar I suppose. Scousers are probably among the least popular British peoples because we have a funny accent 

We're probably not the most educated people either, although I say this with some measure of affection. I'm nearly at the end of a PhD but I don't feel better than anyone, in fact many people in the scientific establishment are stuffy and elitist and care only about citiations. I want to work in Liverpool forever.

You employed Dirk Kuyt so you can't be all bad

posted on May 8th, 2011, 7:32 pm

@ Blade

Well most important of all, your response to my point in the forum was nonsense and I took pains to point out why. The part about spelling was only an adendum remember.

But if you're going to capitalise a word to shout it at me ("definitely" if I recall), you'd better spell it right, and you'd better be right. I won't be shown disrespect by someone who can't even put together a coherent argument.

P.S I appreciate that people have different levels of difficulty with language - I've had this discussion with my dyslexic friend many times. But your post was atrocious by any standard, and was littered with mistakes which are commonly made by people who are manifestly not dyslexic. My friend doesn't use his condition as an excuse and neither should you. I know it's harsh, but that's life. I have bad legs but it doesn't stop me from attending the university campus.

[Anonymous]

posted on May 8th, 2011, 7:36 pm

Last edited by Anonymous on May 8th, 2011, 7:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Lets keep it civil though.   I don't appreciate it when people insult friends of mine, even if I understand your point.  You say he was showing you disrespect by using what you believe was improper English, which I agree may have been(improper English that is), but you are not showing the most respect to him either.   Lets try to avoid double standards shall we?

[Dr. Lazarus]

posted on May 8th, 2011, 7:46 pm

Last edited by Dr. Lazarus on May 8th, 2011, 7:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I'll tell you what's disrespectful - it's an insult to other dyslexic people for Blade to imply that it permanently cripples all ability to spell. I know that this manifestly isn't the case.

We all have things we find easy and things we find hard. I'm a strong believer that even if you have an arm missing, you should make the best of your life and not make excuses. Disabled people can win Olympic competitions, even within their limitations.

In fact look at the last post Blade made. The language is mostly excellent, right? He's showing respect to his readers in doing so.

posted on May 8th, 2011, 7:50 pm

yeah i agree on zax on the double standard thing, you're being an arse to blade, and i dont think anyone on this forum has anything bad to say about blade, he's a great guy.